Forward Deployed Engineer
Job description
About the role
The Forward Deployed Engineer serves as the critical link between theoretical algorithmic design and robust, real-world robotic deployment. This individual is responsible for ensuring that Field AI systems perform flawlessly from initial site survey through continuous mission-critical operation in demanding environments. You will own the entire lifecycle of on-site system interaction, from pre-installation assessment to long-term operational monitoring and iterative improvement. This role requires hands-on problem solving where you diagnose and resolve issues directly at the customer location. You will translate raw field data and operational feedback into concrete enhancements for software, hardware, and procedural workflows. The position is designed for a builder who thrives on seeing technology function reliably outside the lab under real-world pressure. Success in this role means the difference between a technically impressive prototype and a dependable, production-grade robotic solution.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Conduct comprehensive intake procedures to gather detailed site context and environmental constraints before any physical installation of Field AI systems occurs.
- Design and implement tailored hardware and software configurations that account for specific site conditions, ensuring optimal system readiness prior to deployment.
- Execute structured installation protocols, adapting procedures on the fly to address unforeseen logistical or technical barriers encountered on location.
- Lead validation sessions with clients to verify that system behavior aligns precisely with documented expectations and operational requirements.
- Ship targeted updates and configuration changes to the operations team only after rigorous verification of stability across varied real-world scenarios and edge cases.
- Coordinate closely with external partners to harmonize data formats, communication protocols, and integration interfaces for seamless interoperability across multiple platforms.
- Establish and refine monitoring practices to track system performance trends over extended periods, identifying patterns that indicate potential systemic issues.
- Use insights derived from long-term observation of model behavior in live settings to iteratively refine future integration steps and reduce manual intervention.
- Document every configuration decision, parameter adjustment, and environmental variable to create a durable knowledge base for maintenance and replication.
- Drive continuous improvement by feeding field-derived insights back into product and engineering teams to influence roadmap priorities and robustness enhancements.
- Maintain detailed records of on-site activities, decisions, and outcomes to ensure traceability and facilitate smooth knowledge transfer to client technical teams.
- Act as the primary technical escalation point during deployments, resolving high-stakes issues efficiently to minimize operational downtime for customers.
- Proactively identify risks during installation and operation, implementing mitigation strategies that preserve system integrity and client trust.
- Standardize deployment playbooks based on accumulated field experience, enabling more efficient and consistent rollouts in future engagements.
Requirements
To succeed in this role, you must bring three to five years of relevant field experience gained in technical roles outside of traditional office environments. This experience must include implementing autonomous solutions in live operational settings that involve complex hardware and challenging site conditions. You must possess strong technical skills to configure systems and adapt them to varied site constraints without compromising performance or reliability. Effective communication is essential, particularly when managing high-pressure situations with both technical and non-technical stakeholders who depend on system uptime. You must be comfortable working with diverse data streams and interpreting logs, metrics, and telemetry to diagnose issues in real time. Observing model behavior in live settings over extended timeframes is a critical part of your analytical feedback loop. You must adhere strictly to established safety and operational protocols during all phases of installation and maintenance. Reliability, ownership, and a methodical approach to troubleshooting are non-negotiable traits for this position. You must be able to travel to project sites as required and dedicate significant on-site time during critical deployment and stabilization periods. A proven ability to learn rapidly about new hardware and software systems in fast-paced, client-facing contexts is mandatory.
Nice to have
Experience with computer vision platforms and related tooling detailed in product documentation is a significant advantage for navigating complex integration scenarios.
Practical notes
This role is based in Singapore and requires full-time on-site engagement during deployment and stabilization phases. Travel to project sites within the region may be required depending on operational needs. Candidates must be eligible to work in Singapore and obtain any necessary work permits or visas without employer sponsorship. There are no specified working hour constraints beyond the expectation of availability during critical installation and troubleshooting windows. This position does not include a defined probation period in the source material, but consistent on-site performance and reliability are essential for long-term success.